Do not be afraid! Once again we hear the angel, Gabriel, speak these words, but this time the words are spoken to Zechariah, the husband of Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth . And this time the outcome is different. Fear leads to distrust and disbelief and Zechariah is left without the power of speech. Imagine what it would be like not to be able to share the incredible news with your spouse. - not to be able to tell all of your family and friends that your elderly wife who was thought barren will become pregnant with the one who will prepare others to accept the Messiah. Even if we were not struck dumb, we would probably be left speechless by the enormity of the Angel’s proclamation.

When has fear paralyzed you? When has an experience of God left you speechless? Tell your story to someone and notice how God is present in the spoken word.​Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash